Passing Of A Lobbyist

Long-time Coca-Cola lobbyist Robert Lanz, a big, hulking guy and former college athelete, died recently.

A colorful figure in the halls of the Capitol and friend of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Lanz suffered from pancreatic cancer.

He partnered with Bruno on initiatives such asÂ obesity-control and health programs and was invited to Silver family weddings and parties.Â He had many citations in his career and was given partial credit for helping to develop the smallÂ soaps commonly found in hotel guest rooms during his time with Proctor & Gamble.